Helvetia (West Virginia)

Helvetia is an unincorporated community in Randolph County, West Virginia. It was settled in 1869 by immigrants from Switzerland. Helvetia is known primarily for its Swiss heritage. The community takes pride in keeping local traditions alive, and restoring the original buildings.

Get in
Helvetia is a small village nestled in a valley on CR-46; the nearest large towns are Buckhannon and Elkins. Getting there will require patience; it's miles of curving backroads before you reach the village.

Do
Helvetia isn't a place for activity so much as inactivity; go walking, hiking, fishing, browsing the shops, or just relax in the shade with a good book. Music and dancing are popular cultural traditions, with square dancing being a particular favorite.

Events

 * Helvetia Day, held on the Saturday closest to October 20th, celebrates the arrival of the original Swiss settlers in the valley. Features a historic walk following the settlers' original path, a folk dance workshop and square dancing. Admission to the dance is $5, all other events free.
 * Helvetia Day, held on the Saturday closest to October 20th, celebrates the arrival of the original Swiss settlers in the valley. Features a historic walk following the settlers' original path, a folk dance workshop and square dancing. Admission to the dance is $5, all other events free.
 * Helvetia Day, held on the Saturday closest to October 20th, celebrates the arrival of the original Swiss settlers in the valley. Features a historic walk following the settlers' original path, a folk dance workshop and square dancing. Admission to the dance is $5, all other events free.
 * Helvetia Day, held on the Saturday closest to October 20th, celebrates the arrival of the original Swiss settlers in the valley. Features a historic walk following the settlers' original path, a folk dance workshop and square dancing. Admission to the dance is $5, all other events free.
 * Helvetia Day, held on the Saturday closest to October 20th, celebrates the arrival of the original Swiss settlers in the valley. Features a historic walk following the settlers' original path, a folk dance workshop and square dancing. Admission to the dance is $5, all other events free.

Eat
Helvetia takes pride in its homemade foods, including apple butter and Helvetia Swiss cheese, which has been made since the 1800s.



Go next

 * Elkins is about 1 hour northeast on CR-46 and US-219.
 * Buckhannon is about 1 hour north on CR-46 and CR-11.